NIGERIA IN SEARCH OF SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE WASTES MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES: ANY LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL PROSPECTS?

Abstract

Wastes are materials of solid or semi-solid character that possessor no longer considers of sufficient value to retain. They are also substances or objects which are disposed of or are intended to be disposed of or are required to be disposed of by the provision of national law. Healthcare is the services of providing medical care. Waste is also any substance or material which needs to be disposed of, as being broken, worn out, contaminated or otherwise spoiled. Management on the other hand is getting things done through and with people to achieve organizational objective. It is also the act of running and controlling a business or similar organization. Healthcare waste management system therefore is the care and management of wastes in the organization in a way that will not be harmful to the people and environment for sustainability. It is imperative for there to be proper management of medical waste in order to maintain healthier environment and human beings. Developed nations like United Kingdom and United States of America have researched and developed institutional mechanisms to treat and control its harmful effects, most countries of the developing world like Nigeria have no knowledge of the dangers associated with the generation, collection, transportation and especially disposal of these health care wastes.